• Latest
  • Trending
  • All
  • News
  • TV/Radio Deals
  • Film partnerships
  • New appointments
  • Production
  • TV Channels
Unlocking AI in Space

Unlocking AI in Space

June 3, 2024
How the UAE is forging a new frontier in space technology

How the UAE is forging a new frontier in space technology

May 20, 2025
Ad 1 Ad 3
How the UAE is forging a new frontier in space technology

How the UAE is forging a new frontier in space technology

May 20, 2025
Asghar Farhadi to lead screenwriting and directing masterclass in Dubai

Asghar Farhadi to lead screenwriting and directing masterclass in Dubai

May 20, 2025
The expanding role of AI in broadcast

The expanding role of AI in broadcast

May 20, 2025
Qualcomm and e& join forces to advance UAE’s 5G and edge AI

Qualcomm and e& join forces to advance UAE’s 5G and edge AI

May 20, 2025
Sonos debuts in Saudi Arabia as headline sponsor of SLS Expo 2025

Sonos debuts in Saudi Arabia as headline sponsor of SLS Expo 2025

May 20, 2025
Fionnuala Halligan joins Red Sea Film Foundation as Director of Int’l Programmes

Fionnuala Halligan joins Red Sea Film Foundation as Director of Int’l Programmes

May 20, 2025
TwelveP Animation and Powerkids Entertainment to co-produce first international animated series from Abu Dhabi

TwelveP Animation and Powerkids Entertainment to co-produce first international animated series from Abu Dhabi

May 20, 2025
Sony Pictures Television signs deal with Turkey’s Sinema TV

SunStreet and Harbor House partner to expand Gulf media presence

May 20, 2025
Strata Manufacturing delivers first batch of 24 T-Foils for SailGP’s F50

Strata Manufacturing delivers first batch of 24 T-Foils for SailGP’s F50

May 19, 2025
Qatar launches national initiative to mark ITU’s 160th anniversary

Qatar launches national initiative to mark ITU’s 160th anniversary

May 19, 2025
Vuz secures IFC investment in $12m pre-series C round

Vuz secures IFC investment in $12m pre-series C round

May 19, 2025
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe
  • Magazine Archive
  • Directory
  • Contact
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
  • Login
BroadcastPro ME
  • News
    • All
    • Analyst Reports
    • AV
    • Cinema Theatres
    • Esports
    • Film partnerships
    • International News
    • Mergers/Acquisitions
    • New appointments
    • OTT/Video Streaming
    • Podcasting
    • Production
    • Satellite/Comms
    • TV/Radio Deals
    How the UAE is forging a new frontier in space technology

    How the UAE is forging a new frontier in space technology

    How the UAE is forging a new frontier in space technology

    How the UAE is forging a new frontier in space technology

    Asghar Farhadi to lead screenwriting and directing masterclass in Dubai

    Asghar Farhadi to lead screenwriting and directing masterclass in Dubai

    Qualcomm and e& join forces to advance UAE’s 5G and edge AI

    Qualcomm and e& join forces to advance UAE’s 5G and edge AI

    Fionnuala Halligan joins Red Sea Film Foundation as Director of Int’l Programmes

    Fionnuala Halligan joins Red Sea Film Foundation as Director of Int’l Programmes

    TwelveP Animation and Powerkids Entertainment to co-produce first international animated series from Abu Dhabi

    TwelveP Animation and Powerkids Entertainment to co-produce first international animated series from Abu Dhabi

    Sony Pictures Television signs deal with Turkey’s Sinema TV

    SunStreet and Harbor House partner to expand Gulf media presence

    Strata Manufacturing delivers first batch of 24 T-Foils for SailGP’s F50

    Strata Manufacturing delivers first batch of 24 T-Foils for SailGP’s F50

    Qatar launches national initiative to mark ITU’s 160th anniversary

    Qatar launches national initiative to mark ITU’s 160th anniversary

    Vuz secures IFC investment in $12m pre-series C round

    Vuz secures IFC investment in $12m pre-series C round

    Trending Tags

    • broadcast
    • MENA broadcast
    • ConnecTech2019
  • Tech Features
    • All
    • CASE STUDIES
    • New Media
    • REVIEWS
    • TV/Radio Deals
    • Updates from FOMEX
    • Virtual Production Series
    The expanding role of AI in broadcast

    The expanding role of AI in broadcast

    The power of podcasts and audio streaming in MENA

    The power of podcasts and audio streaming in MENA

    Tech strategies for an evolving modern MENA media ecosystem

    Tech strategies for an evolving modern MENA media ecosystem

    SMF and FOMEX bring top industry leaders together in Riyadh – Part II

    SMF and FOMEX bring top industry leaders together in Riyadh – Part IV

    SMF and FOMEX bring top industry leaders together in Riyadh – Part I

    SMF and FOMEX bring top industry leaders together in Riyadh – Part III

    SMF and FOMEX bring top industry leaders together in Riyadh – Part II

    SMF and FOMEX bring top industry leaders together in Riyadh – Part II

    SMF and FOMEX bring top industry leaders together in Riyadh – Part I

    SMF and FOMEX bring top industry leaders together in Riyadh – Part I

    Transforming the entertainment experience with tech

    Transforming the entertainment experience with tech

    Media leaders embrace digital transformation

    Media leaders embrace digital transformation

    Broadcasting beyond borders

    Broadcasting beyond borders

    Trending Tags

    • Videos
      Ignacio Gonzalez-Nuñez on Eutelsat’s new offering and market leadership

      Ignacio Gonzalez-Nuñez on Eutelsat’s new offering and market leadership

      Francesco Cataldo on iKO Media Group’s CABSAT showcase and broadcast trends

      Francesco Cataldo on iKO Media Group’s CABSAT showcase and broadcast trends

      Deepraj Sandhar on Ross Video’s Middle East growth and broadcast tech trends

      Deepraj Sandhar on Ross Video’s Middle East growth and broadcast tech trends

      Reema Omari

      Reema Omari on Universal Satcom’s growth and connectivity solutions

      Mustafa Afifi

      Mustafa Afifi of Rivada Space on Outernet’s impact in the Middle East

      Don

      ST Engineering iDirect CEO Don Claussen on Mideast ties and satellite strategy

      KSASummit

      Transforming Arabic Content: Studios, Producers and Regional Impact

      Bringing Real-Time Audience Insights to Linear Broadcast TV – A First and Exclusive

      Bringing Real-Time Audience Insights to Linear Broadcast TV – A First and Exclusive

      The Power of Podcasts & Audio Streaming in Saudi Arabia

      The Power of Podcasts & Audio Streaming in Saudi Arabia

    • Opinion
      YouTube in Ramadan: The silent giant

      YouTube in Ramadan: The silent giant

      Evision’s transformation proves that business acumen and passion drive success

      Sport’s Growing Grip on MENA Media

      MEASA’s media and communications innovations set new benchmarks beyond regional boundaries

      MEASA’s media and communications innovations set new benchmarks beyond regional boundaries

      Integrate ME 2023 brings its inaugural edition to successful conclusion

      Empowering the next generation of content creation and live broadcasting with AV PRO

      Decoding the Ramadan Drama Phenomenon: What Makes a Winner?

      Decoding the Ramadan Drama Phenomenon: What Makes a Winner?

      Reviving cultural identity through native storytelling in Abu Dhabi

      Reviving cultural identity through native storytelling in Abu Dhabi

      Why it’s game on for broadcasters of live sport

      Why it’s game on for broadcasters of live sport

      Evision’s transformation proves that business acumen and passion drive success

      Saudi Arabia emerges as the epicentre of Media & Entertainment in 2025

      Film and Beyond: Leapfrogging into the global screen industry

      Film and Beyond: Leapfrogging into the global screen industry

      Staying Safe and Ensuring Continuity with Cloud Playout

      Staying Safe and Ensuring Continuity with Cloud Playout

    • Interviews
      • All
      • Lounge
      Breaking barriers, building futures: The new face of IABM

      Breaking barriers, building futures: The new face of IABM

      New Leadership, Same Strategy, Sharpened Focus

      New Leadership, Same Strategy, Sharpened Focus

      Creating Captain Shedeed: A superhero with Arab roots

      Creating Captain Shedeed: A superhero with Arab roots

      UAE Pro League flips the field

      UAE Pro League flips the field

      Bringing the wild to the Middle East

      Bringing the wild to the Middle East

      Shades of success

      Shades of success

      Navigating the news wave

      Navigating the news wave

      From archive to asset

      From archive to asset

      Clarity in motion

      Clarity in motion

      Using AI to keep history real

      Using AI to keep history real

    • Products
    • Magazine Archive
      • BroadcastPro ME Magazine
      • PRO Directory
    • Events
      • News from Events
      • Upcoming Events
      DICM

      DICM

      IBC Show

      IBC 2025

      MPTS

      CABSAT2025

      CABSAT2025

      NAB Show

    No Result
    View All Result
    BroadcastPro ME
    • News
      • All
      • Analyst Reports
      • AV
      • Cinema Theatres
      • Esports
      • Film partnerships
      • International News
      • Mergers/Acquisitions
      • New appointments
      • OTT/Video Streaming
      • Podcasting
      • Production
      • Satellite/Comms
      • TV/Radio Deals
      How the UAE is forging a new frontier in space technology

      How the UAE is forging a new frontier in space technology

      How the UAE is forging a new frontier in space technology

      How the UAE is forging a new frontier in space technology

      Asghar Farhadi to lead screenwriting and directing masterclass in Dubai

      Asghar Farhadi to lead screenwriting and directing masterclass in Dubai

      Qualcomm and e& join forces to advance UAE’s 5G and edge AI

      Qualcomm and e& join forces to advance UAE’s 5G and edge AI

      Fionnuala Halligan joins Red Sea Film Foundation as Director of Int’l Programmes

      Fionnuala Halligan joins Red Sea Film Foundation as Director of Int’l Programmes

      TwelveP Animation and Powerkids Entertainment to co-produce first international animated series from Abu Dhabi

      TwelveP Animation and Powerkids Entertainment to co-produce first international animated series from Abu Dhabi

      Sony Pictures Television signs deal with Turkey’s Sinema TV

      SunStreet and Harbor House partner to expand Gulf media presence

      Strata Manufacturing delivers first batch of 24 T-Foils for SailGP’s F50

      Strata Manufacturing delivers first batch of 24 T-Foils for SailGP’s F50

      Qatar launches national initiative to mark ITU’s 160th anniversary

      Qatar launches national initiative to mark ITU’s 160th anniversary

      Vuz secures IFC investment in $12m pre-series C round

      Vuz secures IFC investment in $12m pre-series C round

      Trending Tags

      • broadcast
      • MENA broadcast
      • ConnecTech2019
    • Tech Features
      • All
      • CASE STUDIES
      • New Media
      • REVIEWS
      • TV/Radio Deals
      • Updates from FOMEX
      • Virtual Production Series
      The expanding role of AI in broadcast

      The expanding role of AI in broadcast

      The power of podcasts and audio streaming in MENA

      The power of podcasts and audio streaming in MENA

      Tech strategies for an evolving modern MENA media ecosystem

      Tech strategies for an evolving modern MENA media ecosystem

      SMF and FOMEX bring top industry leaders together in Riyadh – Part II

      SMF and FOMEX bring top industry leaders together in Riyadh – Part IV

      SMF and FOMEX bring top industry leaders together in Riyadh – Part I

      SMF and FOMEX bring top industry leaders together in Riyadh – Part III

      SMF and FOMEX bring top industry leaders together in Riyadh – Part II

      SMF and FOMEX bring top industry leaders together in Riyadh – Part II

      SMF and FOMEX bring top industry leaders together in Riyadh – Part I

      SMF and FOMEX bring top industry leaders together in Riyadh – Part I

      Transforming the entertainment experience with tech

      Transforming the entertainment experience with tech

      Media leaders embrace digital transformation

      Media leaders embrace digital transformation

      Broadcasting beyond borders

      Broadcasting beyond borders

      Trending Tags

      • Videos
        Ignacio Gonzalez-Nuñez on Eutelsat’s new offering and market leadership

        Ignacio Gonzalez-Nuñez on Eutelsat’s new offering and market leadership

        Francesco Cataldo on iKO Media Group’s CABSAT showcase and broadcast trends

        Francesco Cataldo on iKO Media Group’s CABSAT showcase and broadcast trends

        Deepraj Sandhar on Ross Video’s Middle East growth and broadcast tech trends

        Deepraj Sandhar on Ross Video’s Middle East growth and broadcast tech trends

        Reema Omari

        Reema Omari on Universal Satcom’s growth and connectivity solutions

        Mustafa Afifi

        Mustafa Afifi of Rivada Space on Outernet’s impact in the Middle East

        Don

        ST Engineering iDirect CEO Don Claussen on Mideast ties and satellite strategy

        KSASummit

        Transforming Arabic Content: Studios, Producers and Regional Impact

        Bringing Real-Time Audience Insights to Linear Broadcast TV – A First and Exclusive

        Bringing Real-Time Audience Insights to Linear Broadcast TV – A First and Exclusive

        The Power of Podcasts & Audio Streaming in Saudi Arabia

        The Power of Podcasts & Audio Streaming in Saudi Arabia

      • Opinion
        YouTube in Ramadan: The silent giant

        YouTube in Ramadan: The silent giant

        Evision’s transformation proves that business acumen and passion drive success

        Sport’s Growing Grip on MENA Media

        MEASA’s media and communications innovations set new benchmarks beyond regional boundaries

        MEASA’s media and communications innovations set new benchmarks beyond regional boundaries

        Integrate ME 2023 brings its inaugural edition to successful conclusion

        Empowering the next generation of content creation and live broadcasting with AV PRO

        Decoding the Ramadan Drama Phenomenon: What Makes a Winner?

        Decoding the Ramadan Drama Phenomenon: What Makes a Winner?

        Reviving cultural identity through native storytelling in Abu Dhabi

        Reviving cultural identity through native storytelling in Abu Dhabi

        Why it’s game on for broadcasters of live sport

        Why it’s game on for broadcasters of live sport

        Evision’s transformation proves that business acumen and passion drive success

        Saudi Arabia emerges as the epicentre of Media & Entertainment in 2025

        Film and Beyond: Leapfrogging into the global screen industry

        Film and Beyond: Leapfrogging into the global screen industry

        Staying Safe and Ensuring Continuity with Cloud Playout

        Staying Safe and Ensuring Continuity with Cloud Playout

      • Interviews
        • All
        • Lounge
        Breaking barriers, building futures: The new face of IABM

        Breaking barriers, building futures: The new face of IABM

        New Leadership, Same Strategy, Sharpened Focus

        New Leadership, Same Strategy, Sharpened Focus

        Creating Captain Shedeed: A superhero with Arab roots

        Creating Captain Shedeed: A superhero with Arab roots

        UAE Pro League flips the field

        UAE Pro League flips the field

        Bringing the wild to the Middle East

        Bringing the wild to the Middle East

        Shades of success

        Shades of success

        Navigating the news wave

        Navigating the news wave

        From archive to asset

        From archive to asset

        Clarity in motion

        Clarity in motion

        Using AI to keep history real

        Using AI to keep history real

      • Products
      • Magazine Archive
        • BroadcastPro ME Magazine
        • PRO Directory
      • Events
        • News from Events
        • Upcoming Events
        DICM

        DICM

        IBC Show

        IBC 2025

        MPTS

        CABSAT2025

        CABSAT2025

        NAB Show

      No Result
      View All Result
      BroadcastPro ME
      No Result
      View All Result
      AMT Ad SimplyLive Ad ibc Ad Rossvideo Ad
      Home News Satellite/Comms

      Unlocking AI in Space

      Staff Reporter by Staff Reporter
      June 3, 2024
      in Satellite/Comms
      ShareTweetPostEmail

      As the space race hots up, AI technologies are providing both competitive advantages and pathways to innovation, says Keith J Fernandez. We explore the role of AI in the satellite market through three use cases: connectivity, business intelligence and automation.

      Thousands of satellites are being launched each year on the back of advances in technology and a diversifying space industry. Among the more conservative estimates, Euroconsult expects 2,800 launches annually through to 2032, to meet the growing demand for global connectivity, Earth observation, and space exploration.

      And as in numerous other industries, operators are using artificial intelligence (AI) to address the dynamics of busier orbits. Machine learning algorithms, neural networks and computer vision are among a host of AI technologies that are being used to optimise and automate operations, analyse data, and expand industry use cases – not least to the growing demands for satellite connectivity.

      The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) offers some examples of how AI can tackle challenges across many aspects of the satellite ecosystem in a recent publication: In the maritime and aviation sectors, for example, satellite information and capabilities can be combined with IOT sensor data to enable streamlined operations for shipping and airline activities. AI will facilitate next-generation satellite systems to be autonomous, with a dynamic resource management that will be capable of adjusting coverage, capacity and spectrum as needed.

      But perhaps the most famous of AI applications is NASA’s Mars rover. Including spacecraft operations and on-board data processing, the space agency is estimated to have spent $233m on AI applications between 2020 and 2022, according to analysis by project software platform Deltek.

      Other players, including Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Space X, Thales Alenia, Airbus and Amazon’s Kuiper Systems, likewise deploy a clutch of different AI technologies.

      Karim Sabbagh, Managing Director Designate, SPACE42.

      The UAE’s newly formed SPACE42 is going one step further, building its entire operations around AI. Created in December by the merger of Abu Dhabi companies Al Yah Satellite Communications Company (Yahsat) and Bayanat AI, the new entity aims to capture regional and international opportunities in satellite communications, geospatial and mobility solutions, earth observation, internet of things (IoT) applications, and business intelligence.

      Yahsat contributes advanced satellite communication capabilities while Bayanat brings geospatial analytics expertise to SPACE42, Managing Director designate Karim Sabbagh tells SatellitePro.

      “By combining Bayanat and Yahsat, we will have a unique positioning regarding space assets—owning from the ground, stratosphere, LEO, and GEO orbital layers. This will enable SPACE42 to tackle issues with unmatched precision and efficiency, streamlining the end-to-end process and allowing for unparalleled insights,” he says.

      Its creation reflects the UAE’s aim to transform the economy into an innovative, AI-driven ecosystem in line with its National Space Strategy 2030, he added.

      Bayanat and Yahsat have a combined revenue of Dh2.8bn ($7.6m), with a net income of Dh637m ($173m) for 2023, according to a circular released in March. SPACE42 is expected to begin operations this year.

      Speaking of SPACE42’s addressable market, he says: “First, there is a growing need for use cases that combine geospatial intelligence and satellite communications. Second, there is a growing opportunity to intertwine the operations of space and ground systems across geospatial intelligence and satellite communications. Finally, AI will be crucial in powering the differentiated use cases we want to serve, and optimising the operation of space and ground systems.”

      AI could widen the playing field in the space and satellite sector, shorten development cycles and reach more people with a greater depth of applications, explains Sabbagh. Potential outcomes include using AI analytics to multiply technology productivity, such as by improving data transmission and service quality for revenue growth, to extend the life of space infrastructure through proactive maintenance. AI in system design and automation could reduce mission costs and make space-based services more accessible and sustainable, potentially improving throughput by 10x. Third, shorter technology cycles become possible, such as by way of AI-powered digital twins in manufacturing small satellites or midstream multi-asset system management.

      Bridging connectivity gaps

      Carol Craig, founder and CEO, Sidus Space.

      Internet connectivity is particularly important for job creation and business growth, two areas where the MENA region can benefit, the World Bank pointed out in a regional analysis. Satellite internet could bridge the infrastructure and funding gaps facing the region when it comes to better internet access.

      Satellite-based internet connectivity could extend broadband coverage universally, narrowing the digital gap and uplinking connecting remote industrial facilities, while enabling a wide range of new capabilities and business models.

      It’s this market that the companies such as SpaceX’s Starlink, Eutelsat Oneweb and Amazon’s Project Kuiper are looking to address.

      In December, Amazon Web Services CEO Adam Selipsky announced plans to offer private networking capabilities alongside Amazon Web Services (AWS). Using its Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) network, the connectivity service targets business, enterprise, operator and public sector customers to bypass the public internet and move data privately into any cloud region. Amazon has announced a collaboration with Vodafone and Vodacom to deliver 4G and 5G services to customers in Europe and Africa. A similar partnership with Japanese companies announced in December highlighted how Project Kuiper would enable customers to connect to Amazon’s cloud-based infrastructure to use AI and ML applications more widely, while expanding off-the-grid tracking and monitoring Internet of Things (IoT) devices.

      But although demand is growing for anytime-anywhere connectivity, delivering internet from space carries similar cost and complexity constraints as terrestrial internet networks. AI can reshape satellite connectivity by enhancing network performance, efficiency, and accessibility, leading to more efficient operations and speedier returns on investment across the board.

      Likewise, AI algorithms can help optimise networks, enabling satellite operators to bridge connectivity gaps in areas that are underserved by traditional infrastructure (including remote industrial installations). Similarly, dynamic bandwidth allocation enables operators to open up – periods to new customers or applications. With lower latency and better coverage, satellite clients get the connectivity they need on demand – especially in remote or underserved areas. Enterprise customers, in turn, can harness the real-time data-crunching abilities of machine learning (ML) applications such as large language models (LLMs) together with cloud services to maximise bandwidth consumption, expand their customer base and speed time to market for new services.

      Likewise, AI can help operators predict and reduce signal interference, leading to more reliable communication links.

      “Optimising space connectivity through AI is expected to be critical in furthering our efforts to help unserved and underserved communities,” SPACE42’s Sabbagh says.

      Besides furthering regional satellite connectivity, the new company wants to reach communities beyond the Middle East, he notes. Yahsat’s satellite fleet already delivers communication services such as broadband and video broadcasting to over 80% of the world’s population in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. These services will continue, including with the $500m Thuraya 4-NGS, mobile telecommunications system to expand Thuraya’s L-band business for customers including defense, government and enterprise.

      Improving business intelligence

      Helen Weedon, Managing Director, Satcoms Innovation Group.

      Satellites generate vast amounts of data on a regular basis, principally from Earth observation, and for weather forecasting, but also for espionage and increasingly, environmental monitoring.

      The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s network of satellites and Earth-based observation system together collect some 20 terabytes of environmental data every day.

      Machine learning can quickly mine these large datasets for intelligent and actionable insights. As we have seen with ChatGPT, for example, LLMs can exponentially improve data processing and analysis speeds.

      With machine learning, satellites can automatically detect, classify, and interpret objects and events, providing valuable insights for disaster response, agriculture, urban planning and resource management. Additionally, AI enables predictive analytics, spotting trends and anomalies in satellite data to help decision-makers make proactive choices and manage risks effectively.

      Worldwide, the market for AI in remote sensing and earth observation could be worth $35.90bn by 2030, up from $1.75bn in 2022, industry estimates show. That’s a compound annual growth rate of 27.5% through to the end of the decade.

      In February, the US-Saudi joint venture SpaceGuardian became the first company dedicated to satellite imagery and AI analysis to launch in Saudi Arabia, bringing critical intelligence-gathering capabilities to the region. In partnership with New York-based SpaceKnow, SpaceGuardian will use ML algorithms to provide business insights in the energy, defence, infrastructure and environmental sectors, among others.

      “We aim to revolutionise the AI-powered geospatial analytics market and to bring our technology to multiple sectors, starting with infrastructure monitoring, carbon sequestration, and security applications,” says Jerry Javornicky, CEO and co-Founder of SpaceKnow.

      The collaboration will support Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification efforts and support a growing space sector, adds Majid Alghaslan, Chairman and CEO of Front End Limited Company and Founder & Partner of SpaceGuardian.

      In the meantime, Florida-based Sidus Space goes one step further, using both hardware and software AI across its products. The vertically integrated Space and Data-as-a-Service company has business activities spanning hardware manufacturing, multidisciplinary engineering services, satellite design, production, launch planning, mission operations, and in-orbit support.

      Sidus’ FeatherBox AI computing module onboard its LizzieSat satellites processes data directly from onboard sensors and only transmits the relevant information to customers. This cuts down downlink transfer costs and speeds up responses to observed events.

      “With our FeatherEdge hardware/software AI/ML data processing device that sits onboard each of our LizzieSat spacecraft platforms, we can process the data that we collect in near-real-time to reduce data footprint and transmit intelligence with lower latency,” Carol Craig, founder and CEO at Sidus Space tells Satellite Pro.

      Currently, all data is downlinked to the ground before processing to determine if there is useful data, which can take hours or even days. “We aim to deliver insights to end users within 60 seconds, which will enable a broad array of time-sensitive applications,” she elaborates.

      “Performance-wise, we enable our customers to receive information on their area or event of interest in time-critical use cases. These use cases include illegal fishing and other marine domain awareness activities, which are of particular interest in the MENASA region,” she remarks.

      The analytics solution improves Sidus’ business prospects, enabling it to offer tailored intelligence solutions for industries such as defense, agriculture, maritime, and oil and gas.

      “We’re focused on the platform that enables the implementation of complex AI/ML data processing applications in the resource constrained satellite environment. We can then host data processing applications and update them on orbit to provide a flexible Platform-as-a-Service solution that enables our customers to rapidly adapt to changing mission needs,” Sidus says.

      “In the future, our onboard AI could be used for smart routing and cross-linking between satellites to enable satellite connectivity and efficiency,” she adds.

      Automating satellite operations

      But perhaps AI’s most transformative impact in the satellite sector is in making satellites smarter by advancing autonomous operations, reducing reliance on ground control and enabling greater autonomy in mission planning, execution, and maintenance. Just like Sidus’ data analysis systems, onboard AI diagnostics and predictive maintenance algorithms can track satellite health, forecast and mitigate technology failures to minimise downtime and extend satellite lifespan.

      AI-powered automation can streamline satellite operations, reducing the need for human intervention, cutting operational costs and response times, and increasing mission efficiency and reliability. With more dependable satellite services, operators can optimise their investments in space technology.

      The teams that came together to form SpaceGuardian, the first approved company dedicated to satellite imagery and AI analysis in Saudi Arabia, sealed the deal at the International Petroleum Technology Conference (IPTC) 2024 in Dhahran.

      Efficient automation and ML/ AI processes have long been helping achieve a level of precision crucial for ensuring the safety and integrity of satellites, Helen Weedon, Managing Director, Satcoms Innovation Group, tells SatellitePro. “ML and AI processes, both on the ground and in the satellites themselves, are already ensuring simultaneous control of over thousands of LEO satellites in space, without a single major incident for several years. Thanks to these technologies, we are now able to spot conjunctions with a distance as small as 500 meters, at more than 10 km/s velocity difference at 550 km altitude.”

      Beyond safety considerations, applying AI and ML has the potential to sharply increase efficiency in a number of satcom applications. “This is especially possible wherever we have high quality and accurate data available, e.g. coming from sensors via telemetry from the satellites themselves. By adding this to high quality external data, it is possible to complete important tasks such as satellite orbit calculus or payload incident detection,” Weedon adds.

      Last year, Lockheed Martin unveiled a new advanced satellite operations centre near Denver, Colorado, to test how AI, automation and cloud capabilities to manage the increasing number of satellites constellations in LEO orbits – with fewer staff in near ‘lights out’ conditions. The facility could enable simultaneous control of multiple missions and remote access for operators worldwide thanks to using consistent software across missions through a web-enabled secure cloud framework. With existing functionalities incorporated into the facility, a single operator could potentially oversee individual satellites and entire heterogeneous constellations of different kinds of satellites from nearly anywhere over the internet, says Maria Demaree, Vice President and General Manager of Lockheed Martin Space’s National Security Space business.

      Navigating AI’s challenges

      Again, as in every other industry, satellite operators face significant challenges in adapting to AI and embracing its gifts requires careful consideration.

      Weedon warns against viewing AI as a cure-all solution. Although satellite operators have huge volumes of machine-generated data in their database ready to be used to increase efficiency, doing so requires strategic leadership and organisational adaptability – particularly when using the technology to improve existing business functions. “Accepting and implementing change, including a well-defined risk management, is extremely important through all levels of employees,” she says.

      Weedon flags the need for planning in the automation process. Early-stage development requires careful consideration of scope, efficiency, and process gains, she adds, pointing out that automation attempts without a clear understanding of data usability can lead to project failure and wasted investment.

      “Any later change will be immensely complicated to re-implement, requires often a start over from square one.”

      She says implementing AI systems can be both complex and iterative in nature. In the rush to secure a quick win, companies can struggle with the technologies’ mathematical intricacies, with the project often ending in failure.

      “ML/AI requires disruptive thinking and is not easy to implement, neither in workload, nor in understanding, nor in cost,” she says. “All that we see today at ChatGPT, and other AI applications need years of development without having a single cent of return of investment.”

      Tags: AI applicationsAI technologiesAirbusArtificial IntelligenceBayanat AIBoeingChatGPTDeltekEarth ObservationEutelsat OneWebglobal connectivityInternational Telecommunication UnionIOT sensor dataKuiper SystemsLEO orbitslockheed martinMars roverNASASidus SpaceSpace explorationSpace XSpace42SpaceGuardianSpaceKnowStarlinkThales AleniaYahsat

      Related Posts

      How the UAE is forging a new frontier in space technology

      How the UAE is forging a new frontier in space technology

      May 20, 2025
      How the UAE is forging a new frontier in space technology

      How the UAE is forging a new frontier in space technology

      May 20, 2025
      Qualcomm and e& join forces to advance UAE’s 5G and edge AI

      Qualcomm and e& join forces to advance UAE’s 5G and edge AI

      May 20, 2025
      Orbitworks unveils Altair, UAE’s first AI satellite constellation

      Orbitworks unveils Altair, UAE’s first AI satellite constellation

      May 19, 2025
      Quadsat and Arabsat sign MoU on spectrum and antennas

      Quadsat and Arabsat sign MoU on spectrum and antennas

      May 17, 2025
      Space42 reports $115m in Q1 2025 revenue

      Space42 reports $115m in Q1 2025 revenue

      May 16, 2025

      Related News

      Quadsat and Arabsat sign MoU on spectrum and antennas

      Quadsat and Arabsat sign MoU on spectrum and antennas

      May 17, 2025
      NASA 2026 budget proposal: The impact on prospects for space exploration

      NASA 2026 budget proposal: The impact on prospects for space exploration

      May 13, 2025
      National Space Academy opens registration for second space training cohort

      National Space Academy opens registration for second space training cohort

      April 29, 2025
      Intelsat and Embraer to factory install multi-orbit service

      Intelsat and Embraer to factory install multi-orbit service

      April 15, 2025
      ATLAS Space Operations partners with Viasat to support NASA missions

      ATLAS Space Operations partners with Viasat to support NASA missions

      March 21, 2025
      Qatar enhances global space monitoring with ITU agreement

      Qatar enhances global space monitoring with ITU agreement

      February 27, 2025
      More Related News

      BroadcastPro ME

      • About
      • Advertise
      • Subscribe
      • Magazine Archive
      • Directory
      • Contact
      • Privacy

      Follow us on Social Media

      No Result
      View All Result
      • News
      • Tech Features
      • Videos
      • Opinion
      • Interviews
      • Products
      • Magazine Archive
        • BroadcastPro ME Magazine
        • PRO Directory
      • Events

      Welcome Back!

      Login to your account below

      Forgotten Password?

      Create New Account!

      Fill the forms bellow to register

      All fields are required. Log In

      Retrieve your password

      Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

      Log In